Tips for Optimising Images for Print Quality
We prepare images for brochures, banners, signage and packaging every week. This guide is for business owners and designers who want sharp, accurate printed images. It covers resolution, file formats, colour and large-format print. Use it before you send artwork, so your images print as clearly as they appear on screen.
How to get the right resolution
Resolution measures how much detail an image holds at its printed size. Print needs much more detail than a screen. The standard for most close-up print is 300 dots per inch at the final size. Follow these steps to check your images.
- Check the pixel dimensions of each image.
- Divide the width in pixels by 300 to find the largest print width in inches.
- Use images that meet or exceed that size at 300 dpi.
- Avoid enlarging small images, as software cannot add real detail.
- Ask photographers for full-resolution original files.
A 3000-pixel-wide image prints sharply at about 10 inches wide at 300 dpi. Smaller images suit smaller printed spaces. Our guide to common print file problems covers what happens when resolution is too low.
How to choose file formats and colour settings
The right format and colour settings protect image quality all the way to print. Some formats lose detail each time they are saved. Colour settings for screens differ from print. Apply these points.
- Use high-quality JPEG, TIFF or PSD files for photographs.
- Use vector formats, such as PDF, EPS or SVG, for logos and illustrations.
- Avoid saving JPEGs repeatedly, as each save reduces quality.
- Convert images to CMYK, or let your printer convert them, and check the result.
- Place images in a print-ready PDF exported to your printer's specification.
Bright blues, greens and oranges often shift when converted to CMYK. Check important images on a printed proof. Our guide to choosing brand colours explains colour values in more detail.
How to prepare images for large-format print
Banners, posters and signage are viewed from further away, so they need less resolution per inch. Very large files can also become difficult to handle. The right balance keeps quality high and files manageable. Follow these guidelines.
- Check your printer's recommended resolution for the size and viewing distance.
- Expect large items viewed from a distance to need lower resolution than close-up print.
- Use vector artwork for text, logos and shapes, so they stay sharp at any size.
- Use the highest-quality photographs available for large backgrounds.
- Check a section of the artwork at full size before you send it.
Ask your printer for their exact requirements before you start a large design. Our roller banners and posters pages list the sizes available. Our guide to choosing an illustrator covers preparing illustrations for print.
Image preparation checklist
Use this checklist before you send any image-heavy artwork for print. Each item protects the sharpness and colour of your images. Tick every line before you upload.
- Pixel dimensions checked against printed size
- 300 dpi at final size for close-up print
- No small images enlarged beyond their original size
- Logos and illustrations supplied as vector files
- Colours converted to CMYK and checked
- Large-format resolution confirmed with the printer
- Printed proof checked for important images
Good to know
Image quality FAQs
What resolution do images need for print?+
Most close-up print, such as flyers and brochures, needs 300 dpi at the final printed size. Large items viewed from a distance, such as banners, often need less. Check your printer's requirements for each product. Never enlarge small images to reach a higher resolution.
Can I use images from my website for print?+
Website images are usually too small for print. They are compressed to load quickly on screens. Use the original high-resolution files instead. Ask your web designer or photographer for the originals.
Should I convert images to CMYK myself?+
You can convert images to CMYK to preview how colours will print. Some printers prefer to handle conversion themselves. Check your printer's guidance before you export. Always review a proof when colour accuracy matters.
Keep these tips with your design files and printer specifications. Share them with anyone who supplies images for your print. So you can send images that print sharply and keep the colours you expect.
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